Seasonal Recommendations
Merry Pop-mas!
Nov
Merry pop-mas! If you’re looking to add some pop flair to your holiday gig book, we’ve got you covered with these festive favorites available to download on Harp Column Music instantly.
Last christmas
We’re kicking off this Christmas blog with a bang! I mean… a Wham! Michelle Whitson Stone has done a fantastic job, as always, arranging this ’80s Christmas pop hit for harp. It’s fun, energetic, and exciting to play…and perhaps best of all, it’s nice to have a pop arrangement that you know is written with harp fingers in mind!
$12.00
mary, did you know?
This arrangement by Erin Freund has been a staple in my holiday gig book for years! It’s one of my favorite Christmas songs (especially Pentatonix’s version), and this arrangement does it justice. Written entirely in flats, it has such a beautiful, resonant quality. I love how the room seems to still when I perform it. The syncopation and groove add another wonderful layer, making this a really special arrangement to play.
$7.00
*mary’s little boy child
The 1950s were truly an elite time for Christmas pop music! This isn’t a song I hear too often during the holiday season, so I’m especially excited to add something a little different to my gig book. Judith Aucoin Olson has expertly arranged this piece as an homage to Harry Belafonte. The arrangement draws inspiration from his life, his interpretation of this classic, and the calypso rhythms he was so well known for.
$7.00
silver bells
This delicate version of “Silver Bells” was inspired by Dean Martin’s iconic 1950s recording. I arranged it to be especially harp-y, with plenty of flowing arpeggios and a little extra holiday sparkle in the second verse through some colorful flourishes. It’s a laid-back, understated take on this Christmas classic that can easily stand on its own as a concert piece!
$8.00
*let there be peace on earth
I feel like this Christmas song gets overlooked on holiday setlists, so I’m happy to be adding it to my gig book this year! Debbie Vinick’s arrangement makes beautiful use of rolled chords and arpeggios in the lower register of the harp, giving it a wonderfully warm, rich sound. The pedal harp version, which I personally prefer, finishes with an incredibly dramatic, sparkling passage of arpeggios and glissandos that brings the piece to a show-stopping close.
$9.20
have yourself a merry little christmas
Honestly, I don’t think a Christmas playlist is complete without this tune! It’s about as classic as it gets, and Christa Grix’s arrangement gives the familiar melody a little something extra with lush, jazzy chord voicings.
$8.00
*we wish you a merry calypso-mas
While it’s not your typical Christmas pop song, this beloved carol has been recorded by just about every major artist. Amanda Whiting adds her signature jazz flair and playful calypso touches, giving this familiar favorite a fresh, pop-inspired twist!
$8.00
dream a little dream of me
Okay, this isn’t technically a Christmas tune, but Etta James’ version of this famous pop/jazz standard has appeared on several holiday compilation albums, and its vibe just feels right for a Christmas playlist! This arrangement by Joselyn Sky takes a little work, but the payoff is well worth it. The result is absolutely beautiful!
$13.00
